First time with D76 1:1. Why is this uneven?? - Help

[fixbones]

This is only the third film that i've ever developed. Tri-X and D76 1:1.
As you can see, what is causing the uneven development/vertical banding?
It is only seen in the first 5 frames
(I did not encounter this problem with the first 2 films that i developed with Rodinal)

Any idea?

 

[fixbones]

What i did:

Tri-X ISO 400 in D76 1:1
Water temp 21 C

Agitated for first 30s then for 10s every minute after that i.e. agitate for 30s then agitate for 10s at 1:30, 2:30, 3:30..........

Film was developed for 10 minutes

Wash with water - 6 cycles of 10s agitation

Ilford Rapid Fixer for 3 minutes then water wash with photoflo and distilled water in the end.

 

[maddoc]

I found Tri-X rated at 400ISO and used in harsh daylight to be very difficult to develop, got often the same amount of uneven parts in the frames, especially the sky. My theory is that under these conditions a lot of silver halides are reduced to silver and the developer close to the surface thus faster exhaustes compared to frames shot under low light conditions. I haven't found a solution to the problem yet.

 

[Keith]

That's surge throught the sprocket holes by the looks of it ... slightly more gently gently with the agitation I'd suggest!

 

[Keith]

I meant to add this type of image with a large area of highly exposed sky etc accentuates this problem. I've noticed when photographing landscapes in summer here in Oz I get this quite often.

I don't think Tri-X is a great film for this type of scene ... 50 ISO would have suited it better!

 

[mark-b]

that looks like developer going thru the sprocket holes repeatedly. you should vary your method of agitation, not just inversions. try rolling the developing tank also; and lateral shifting without tilting the whole tank.

 

[fixbones]

Keith: It was a very contrasty day

Thanks for the advice. Will try to alter my inversions the next time around.

 

[gilpen123]

Yes lateral inversion rotating the tank and do a consistent agitation process the whole time. ISO 400 will be difficult in this type of shot, lowest ISO possible must be used.